Hey, food friends!
You’ve seen the news, you’ve watched videos of families in need on Facebook Live, and you’ve probably heard about celebrities dropping big money.
As Orlandoans, helping Texans may feel out of arm’s reach, but there’s so much that we can do collectively.
Here is a growing list of restaurants that are doing their part to aid Texans.
Let’s explore how to eat responsibly.
Where to Eat
- Black Rooster Taqueria | Mills 50 + Hunger Street Tacos | Winter Park
- These popular taco spots are committing together to donate 20% of all sales on September 6-7
- Chuy’s | All Locations
- With 9 locations across Houston and Corpus Christi, this brand is definitely feeling the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. To help, it is selling a limited edition T-shirt at all locations for $10. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Chuy’s Redfish Relief Fund, which supports employees experiencing financial hardships due to disasters, emergencies, and other life-changing circumstances
- Sonny’s BBQ | All Locations
- Nothing says Texas like barbecue… On September 6, all 113 locations will donate 10% of sales to Operation BBQ Relief, an organization that mobilizes pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts to areas in need to help prepare and serve barbecue
- Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park
- $1 from each chocolate star lollipop sold until September 10
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10% of chocolate covered popcorn sales during the week of September 4-10
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The store will also be collecting cash donations, and anyone who donates at least $5 will receive their choice of a free chocolate covered Oreo or pretzel rod
- Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group | All locations
- From Thursday, August 31 to Monday, September 4, 20% of all sales from all of the restaurants under its umbrella will be donated to relief efforts. The group is hoping to give $1,000,000
- Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen | All locations
- On Tuesday, September 5, all Tibby’s locations will be donating 10% of sales to the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund
Safe Bets
There’s often a little bit of confusion and trepidation about donating to large charities. Oftentimes, only a small percentage funds actually hit the homes of the people you indeed to help.
Here are some that are collecting funds and donations responsibly.
With FCE, you can donate, start a fundraiser and know that 100% of proceeds raised through this fund will be used for Harvey disaster relief! And if you purchase this shirt, 40 meal will be donated. That’s a deal!
Second Harvest Food Bank | Orlando, Daytona Beach, West Melbourne
All locations are accepting non-perishable food donations for Texas flood relief
1. Purchase new underwear here
2. Collect new, packaged underwear and mail it to the address below. If you’re purchasing, they recommend Hanes or Fruit of the Loom. UFE doesn’t process or give out anything but underwear!
Undies for Everyone
1700 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77005
3. Give cash and Undies for Everyone will purchase wholesale
The Emeril Lagasse Kitchen House | Orlando
Chef Kevin Fonzo is partnering with Chef Tiffany Derry to raise money via the Edible Schoolyard and Kevin Fonzo Foundation. On Sunday, September 10 from 12-3 p.m., visit The Emeril Lagasse Kitchen House and Culinary Garden as they host a kid-friendly “Lemonade Stand and Bake Sale”! They will have fresh lemonade available for sale, as well as some incredible baked goods donated by some amazing local pastry chefs!
Check out the different families and organizations that are sharing their stories in order to get help.
There are so many organizations in need of a hand. Orlando Vegans is partnering with Clean The World tomorrow, Saturday, September 2. Sign up here!
Words of Encouragement
All too often we talk about people impacted by natural disasters as victims. We have to remind ourselves and the people impacted that they are victors. They need to be reminded that they are strong, resilient and able to overcome. I’ve started a Google Doc for everyone to share the love by writing encouraging notes. The hope is that we can share with charities and outlets in Texas to pass along to locals!
Here’s to foodlantrophy and lots of love.
Snack on,
Chauniqua Major, but we’re friends so call me Major!
